NFL teams raid undrafted free agent pool

The wait was interminable enough, with the NFL lockout freezing transactions and compounding the disappointment of undrafted college players now set adrift.

But some had big-school pedigrees, at least, and plenty knew their uncertainty would last mere hours once an agreement had been reached.

Then there was Stephen Franklin, formerly of Southern Illinois, he of the second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, for whom insecurity weighed heavy until the Bengals vanquished it completely by signing the linebacker Tuesday.

"I've been waiting for a while just doing everything in my power that I could do," Franklin said. "I just kept the faith that something would work out. I guess I'm still considered a long shot, but they are giving me a chance and I hope to make the most of the opportunity."

Really, all the undrafted free agents that found homes in the hours after the NFL lockout had lifted are long shots, though some are far longer than others. But they have a shot, as opposed to a football life spent in limbo for months.

After a disappointing draft showing that saw just one player selected ? tight end Kyle Rudolph ? Notre Dame saw its free agents all find homes in relatively short order.

First off the board, officially, was nose guard Ian Williams, who was perhaps the Irish's most surprising draft-day snub. He confirmed late Monday he had agreed to terms with the 49ers, and signings then followed for former Irish teammates Brian Smith (Browns), Darrin Walls (Falcons), Chris Stewart (Jets), Armando Allen (Buccaneers) and Kerry Neal (Colts).

The Saints signed former Illinois receiver Jarred Fayson, who joins former Illini linebackers Martez Wilson and Nate Bussey, who were both drafted by New Orleans.

Cornerback Travon Bellamy and lineman Randall Hunt joined the Rams, former quarterback/wide receiver Eddie McGeeC signed with the Raiders, and defensive end Clay Nurse joined the Patriots.

Northwestern's Quentin Davie, who started 39 career games at outside linebacker and totaled 240 career tackles and 28 tackles-for-loss, is joining the Lions.

Northern Illinois running back Chad Spann, meanwhile, didn't waste much time, energy or gas money on the way to his new team, as the Indianapolis native signed a deal with his hometown Colts on Tuesday.

Illinois State's Chris Riley, who started the final 27 games of his career on the offensive line for the Redbirds, signed with the Bengals.